By Lora Burris
On December 14, 2000, the Texas Transportation Commission appointed Corky C. Pledger and Charles E. Powell to the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee.
Corky Pledger was re-appointed for a three-year term on the Aviation Advisory Committee. Ms. Pledger plays an active role in the daily operations of Flite Electronics, a company which holds the distinction of being the oldest existing business at Addison Airport, Texas. Her involvement in the company has positioned her to become increasingly active with community groups and to develop professional associations with the aviation community. She has contributed greatly through her efforts in the Celebrate Metrocrest, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Aircraft Electronics Association. The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce has twice given her the “Red Coat of the Year Award” as well a “Red Coat Life Membership.” Moreover, she is one of twelve recipients to receive the chamber’s “Golden Eagle Award” in the past twenty-five years. Ms. Pledger is President of the Addison Business Association and co-founder of the Addison Airport Business Owners Association.
Charles E. Powell is the most recent appointee to the Aviation Advisory Committee. Colonel Powell (retired Air Force) began his career at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; receiving a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering in 1954. Additionally, in 1964 he received a master of science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. His career included air service during the Cuban Missile Crisis and rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Colonel Powell’s final military assignment was as Commander of the 3480th Technical Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base until he retired in 1984. He accumulated more than 6,700 flying hours. In 1982, Colonel Powell was selected as San Angelo’s Citizen of the Year. He has also served as vice president of Southwest Bank in San Angelo, as well as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of the Southwest Bank Investment Center until his retirement in 1995. Colonel Powell currently serves as Chainnan of the Community Bank Board of the Wells Fargo Bank of San Angelo.
